Practical sea fishing information

Find the facts you need about Norwegian sea fishing rules and regulations, and what types of fish you might get.

Dynamic Variation:

Codes of conduct and safety

The Norwegian Association of Hunters and Anglers have compiled a set of guidelines for anyone who wishes to try their luck in the Norwegian seas. These are:

Always think safety first. Wear a life jacket and keep a lifeline in your backpack.

Treat the fish and other wildlife with respect.

Show moderation.

Leave as little a footprint as possible and do not litter.

Show consideration to other nature users.

Know first aid.

Dress according to the weather forecasts. The weather can change quickly. Get home safely.

Be proud to be an angler.

Size matters

In order to preserve Norwegian fish stocks we encourage everyone to avoid catching fish that are under the minimum size specified.

If you do catch a fish that is smaller than the minimum size, free it carefully from the hook and release it into the sea. If the fish is dead or is clearly not capable of surviving, you can keep it to eat.

Trends in angling

Specimen fishing
Hunting for the biggest specimen of different species.

Fishing from your own pier
Rent a rorbu (a traditional fisherman’s cabin) in for example the Lofoten Islands or Fjord Norway and practice angling right outside your bedroom.

Species fishing
An increasing number of visitors are discovering the joy of fishing different species. Norway is especially suitable for species fishing thanks to the unusually large variety in the sea.

Surfcasting
Fishing by casting a line into the sea from the shore. Rent special equipment to make longer castings and catch fish further out.

Catch and release
Live and let live: There is an increasing awareness about the importance of the life in the sea. When the catch is alive and kicking and you don’t need it for your dinner, the best option is to release it. This method enables enthusiasts to perform their favourite sport to a bigger extent.

Useful fishing app

An app called Fritidsfiske (language versions include English and Russian) has everything you need to know about fishing in Norway, with tips on rules and regulations, equipment, and minimum sizes.

Species

Cod (torsk)
The most common of the Norwegian fish species. You can find the biggest cod off the coast of Finnmark and Troms during winter. Nordland also has important spawn areas and there are well-known hot spots in the Northwest.

Flounder (skrubbe) and other flatfish
Mostly found in Southern Norway, but also all along the rest of the coast.

Get inspired

As surely as the greylag goose travels north every year, the cod swims along the Namdalen coast to spawn. In the same way, fishermen from Trøndelag throughout history have sought the mysterious and now abandoned paradise of Sør-Gjæslingan.

Get inspired

As surely as the greylag goose travels north every year, the cod swims along the Namdalen coast to spawn. In the same way, fishermen from Trøndelag throughout history have sought the mysterious and now abandoned paradise of Sør-Gjæslingan.

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